A LEADING English rugby administrator tonight warned of the need to strike a balance between Lions tours and the professional club and international games.

The Lions, with England's World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward probably in charge, will tour New Zealand next year - facing a proposed 10-match schedule, including three Tests against the All Blacks.

But Howard Thomas, chief executive of Premier Rugby, said: "The Lions is a nightmare issue.

"I am a very strong Lions supporter. But I'm a bigger fan of professional rugby, and we have to measure how the Lions fits into the professional game.

"The Lions must survive and thrive, and the nature of a scratch team brings additional complications. There is a need to make sure the Lions tours work, but without disrupting club and international games.

"Our biggest priority is running the professional club game in England," he added.

"We are the biggest financial investors in Lions rugby. We want to protect it, but it needs to evolve and not to disrupt a professional game now on the verge of viability.

"It is a great concept, but there is a need to work out a balance. In 2001 the (Lions) players came back (from Australia) shattered. A Lions tour requires a lot of rugby to be played.

"A Lions win in New Zealand would be outstanding, but don't compare it to England winning the World Cup.

"The Lions winning in New Zealand wouldn't scratch the surface of the sort of excitement and enthusiasm that came from England's win."

Lions bosses face a straight choice between Woodward and Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan for the coaching role, while former England Grand Slam captain Bill Beaumont is expected to be named as tour manager.

A decision on both appointments should be made within the next week - while Zurich, backers of the English Premiership, are hot favourites to be main tour sponsors.